Podcasts

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Obsessed with taking that perfect selfie? We all like to look good in the eyes of our friends and followers on social media. But, like St. Patrick, we should spend less time glorifying ourselves, and more time glorifying God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 03-17-16.

A caller asks for advice on how she can apply a Christian attitude towards people who she doesn’t get along with. Father Dave shares some tips for thoughtfully managing these relationships in the future. (Original Air 03-03-17)

A caller named Michael asks, “What is the difference between a basilica, cathedral, and regular church?” Michael recently attended Mass at a basilica and it made him wonder why we call churches by different names. Father David explains that a Cathedral is the seat of the bishop in a diocese. A basilica is designated by the Pope, and a regular parish is under the authority of a priest. Original Air 1-16-18

A caller named Cat asks if smoking is a sin and if so, do we have to go to Confession? Father Dave explains that The Church doesn’t explicitly say that smoking is a sin, but points out that we could make an argument that any way in which we intentionally abuse our bodies is sinful. Original Air 12-16-14

A listener named Augustine asks, “Is getting paid a salary for hours that you didn’t work offensive to God?” Augustine explains he’ll occasionally leave work early, but still gets paid for a full eight-hour shift because he is a salaried employee. Father Dave says that as long as we are not intentionally cheating the system, we should be in good conscience that we are not doing anything wrong. Original Air 2-27-18

A young fan named Liam asks, “Why does the priest bless the deacon before reading the Gospel?” Liam shares that he is an altar server and has noticed this while serving. Father Dave explains that the instructions state that the deacon should ask for the priest’s blessing. So, the priest is delegating the deacon to proclaim the Gospel. Father Dave also points out that the prayer prayed over the deacon is the same prayer that the priest would pray himself before reading the Gospel. Original Air 6-07-17

A fan named Theresa wonders why her parish priest chants the Gospel at Mass, as she finds it difficult to follow. Father Dave explains that chanting parts of the Mass is encouraged by the Roman Missal. He points out that it is not mandatory and is not theologically preferred, but it is a part of our Catholic tradition. Original Air 6-15-17

Monday of the Second Week in Lent. Father Dave explains Daniel’s description of sin: a rebellion against God’s commandments. He points out that it is easier to fall into sin than we may think, and discusses the Gospel message that says we will be forgiven if we forgive others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 2-26-18

A caller named Leah asks, “What are we asking for when we pray, ‘say the word and my soul shall be healed?’” Father Dave explains that this line comes from the Gospel of Matthew, in which the centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. Father Dave notes that we pray this prayer as an act of humility and an expression of faith. Original Air 2-6-18

Have you ever noticed a symbol in church that looks like a P with an X overlay, and wondered what it stood for? Father Dave explains what the Chi-Rho symbol means, and how it originated. (Original Air 02-15-17)